I believe strongly in the magic of therapy. our mental health is intricately linked to our physical health, something that is often ignored. humans who allow themselves to be vulnerable and seek out professional guidance, to me, are strong and brave. life can be greatly enhanced when we explore our personal beliefs, values, and hopes in relation to our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I strive to nurture and support clients as they tap into greater balance and peace within, even amidst the external chaos that is life. The minuscule shifts in thoughts and behaviors often lead to the greatest long-term rewards.
My interest in therapy sparked when i was a senior in high school. i was in treatment for an eating disorder, and i had a future vision of becoming the therapist, helping others heal from the torment of an eating disorder. After studying psychology, dance, and world religion as an undergraduate at southern methodist university, i moved to san diego to pursue my masters in marriage and family therapy at the university of san diego. i spent my first 8 years working primarily in group homes and teen recovery centers.
i was also dancing professionally with a local modern dance company during this time, and I stumbled upon an incredible new public high school with a focus on the arts. I decided to follow my heart and pursue a teaching credential in 2005. from 2009-2021, i directed the dance program at canyon crest academy high school. i maintained my california family therapy license and saw individual clients off and on during my career as a teacher. As a teacher, I aimed to provide all of my students with an understanding of the mind/body connection, a long-lasting awareness of their own body, a sense of life balance, and an appreciation for the immeasurable value of movement as a form of therapy.
when covid emerged in 2020, i, like many people, began to explore possible shifts and priorities in my life. i have always felt a pull to return to my family in oklahoma, but i loved my career at canyon crest academy. i joined a therapist network in the summer of 2020, and as I began to see clients again, I realized how much I loved it, and how much I had grown as a human and a therapist thanks to my time as a teacher. signs started pointing towards finally making the move back home after 23 years in san diego. I brought home my puppy, echo violet, in december to meet the family; it was a combination of them falling in love with her along with us waking up to an epic snowy white new years' eve that cemented the plan in my mind and heart to move back to oklahoma.
I am thrilled to be back in oklahoma with my family and am loving working with clients in private practice. My approach is one of empathy, compassion and support in helping people find their inner strength, alter ways of thinking and behaving, and move in a direction of positivity and understanding of what they need to function in a healthier mind and body space. Therapy can be challenging and difficult, but I fully believe that a strong therapeutic experience can transform lives for the better. I also encourage individuals seeking a therapist to trust their intuition and find a therapist that “feels” right.
My experience is primarily with teens, depression, anxiety, disordered eating, & body image issues. i am passionate & knowledgeable about lgbtqia+, the autism spectrum, and self identity/self esteem issues.
please don't hesitate to reach out with questions you may have, and thanks so much for reading. I wish you all the best in your search for a happier and healthier life.
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